HOW TO DEFEAT THE “PHILLIPSTINE”: CAST YOUR STONE!

by Tammy Phillips
September 5, 2020

 “Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:40 NKJV)

I need to lose around 100 pounds.  If you don’t think that “Phillipstine” yells at me every day, you are wrong!   I have been at war with that ogre all of my life.  I have won the big battle twice already and many, many, many small battles where I have lost 20 to 50 pounds.   However, I did not occupy my territory and I allowed that beast return.  No more!

David did not just talk the talk.  He walked the walk, right in to battle against the giant. 

• He took action.
• He chose unconventional weapons.
• Our choice weapon should always be withdrawn from the Brook of Living Water. It is the One Stone, Jesus Christ, the Word.  We only need One Rock, Jesus, to fight every giant that dare harass or attempt to approach.
• With Bible in hand, we read the word, seek and accept what Jesus paid for with his death. We then cast that Stone right at our giant.

I could talk myself into remaining unhealthy.  I could tell myself I have a thyroid problem and will never lose weight.  I could convince myself that I have been this way all my life and will never change.  However, those are lies from the enemy.   I fight back by making healthy choices and exercising.  More importantly, I go to my Rock every day and he empowers me “to do ALL things through Christ Jesus who strengthens we.”

Goliath cursed God and David, then threatened to kill him.  David responded, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” (1 Samuel 17:45 NKJV)

This is how we fight our battles with the Name!  We come to know Whose we are and how much he loves us.   We boldly advance and fearlessly stand against the enemy.  The giant yells and we return the shout with, “Do you know who my Daddy is? I do and he will whoop you!  You are nothing!”  We declare to the enemy in the name of the Lord of Hosts like David, “This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you…that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.”  (1 Samuel 17:46 NKJV)

This my friend is walking by faith.  It is believing that God is who He says He is and will do what He says he will do.  I believe I will lose 100lbs on pound at a time.   This is facing the impossible with the One who makes all things possible to them who believe.  We just have to be obedient and do what he asks.  He will instruct us and teach us the way to go.

Then ALL this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle [is] the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:47 NKJV)

The Battle is the Lord’s.  We choose to maintain a strong heart and mind in Him.  We take whatever action is necessary to face our enemy head on and then we wait on the Lord.   We remember that the battle is not ours, but the Lord’s.  He is our victory, alone.  Victory in Him is losing 12 pounds in August!  I’ll take it.

Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on theLORD! (Psalm 27:14 NKJV)

I enCOURAGE to battle by singing  this Psalm: “Surely you will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.  You will not be afraid of evil tidings; your heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. You heart is established; you will not be afraid…” (Psalm 112:6-8 NKJV). SLAY THE DAY!

Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2 KJV)